Classification of Triangles

The triangle is perhaps most common shape ever studied in geometry. It is a

kind of polygon which has three sides. A triangle eventually has  three
vertices as well. A general picture of triangle is shown in the following
diagram :

In other words, if in three distinct points in two-dimensions are non collinear

(i.e. not in a straight line), then the line segments joining such points
make a unique shape called triangle in that particular plane. This article is
about triangles in Euclidean geometry. Basically, we are going to learn about classifications of triangles in
this page. Triangles' classification can take place based on their sides as well as angles. These
classifications are explained in detail in the sections below.
 
Classification of Triangles by Sides

On the basis of sides, the triangles can be classified into three which are
discussed below.

Equilateral Triangle
Equilateral triangle is a triangle which has all the sides of equal
measure. Therefore, all the angles of such triangle are equal
and hence are equal to 60$^{\circ}$. An equilateral triangle
is shown in the below geometrical figure.

In the above triangle, all the sides of triangle denoted by 'a' are
equal and angles are equal to 60$^{\circ}$. So, the above
geometrical figure represents a equilateral triangle.

Isosceles Triangle
Isosceles triangle is a triangle with the property that it has any two sides
equal. Since angles opposite to equal sides are equal, hence an isosceles
triangle has two angles equal. It is shown the figure below.

In the above triangle, sides 'a' are equal and angle 'x' are also equal. Hence
it is an isosceles triangle.
Scalene Triangle
Scalene triangle is a triangle having a property that its
all sides are unequal and hence all the angles will also
be unequal. An example of scalene triangle is shown
in the diagram below.

In the above triangle, all the sides of triangle denoted

by a, b and c are unequal and angles x, y and z are
also unequal. Hence, the above geometrical figure
represents a scalene triangle.

Classification of Triangles by Angles

The classification of triangles on the basis of angles is discussed below.

Acute Triangle
A triangle is said to be an acute triangle or acute-angled
triangle if all three angles are acute, i.e. less than
90$^{\circ}$. The diagram of acute triangle is shown
below

Obtuse Triangle
If a triangle has one angle obtuse, i.e. greater than 90$^{\circ}
$, then it is called an obtuse triangle or obtuse-angled
triangle which is shown in the following figure.

Right Triangle
When an angle of a triangle is right angle, i.e. 90$^{\circ}$, it is termed as a right triangle or right-angled
triangle. Its diagram in demonstrated below
 Parts of a Triangle

Altitude or Height - The Altitude/height of a triangle is the length of a

perpendicular from the apex the the base line.

Apex - Once you have selected a base line for the triangle, the vertex
opposite that base line is called the apex.

Base - For any given triangle, one of the sides can be distinguished as being
the base. It is not particularly important which one is chosen. The usual
practice is that when you draw a triangle, the side that is horizontal or closest
to horizontal is considered to be the base.

Base Anlges - The base angles are the two angles created at the base line.
Again these completely depend on which line you call the base line. 

Vertex - A vertex typically means a corner or point where two lines meet. In a
Triangle there is always three Vertices. (Vertices is the plural for vertex).